The prayers are usually contained in a bound collection called the '''Book of Hours''', also known as the Horologion or Chasoslov.

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These services, together with the other services of the Daily Cycle, are usually contained in a bound collection called the '''Book of Hours''', also known as the Horologion (Greek) or Chasoslov (Slavonic).

== General Structure of the Hours ==

== General Structure of the Hours ==

Each of the services of the Hours shares the same general structure.

Each of the services of the Hours shares the same general structure.

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{{Services}}

*The service opens with the [[priest]]'s exclamation ''Blessed is our God ...'' and the [[Trisagion Prayers]]. (Note: this opening sequence is omitted if the service immediately follows another service.)

*The service opens with the [[priest]]'s exclamation ''Blessed is our God ...'' and the [[Trisagion Prayers]]. (Note: this opening sequence is omitted if the service immediately follows another service.)

During the [[Nativity Fast]] and the [[Apostles' Fast]], each of the First, Third, Sixth, and Ninth Hours is followed by an additional service called a [[Mesorion]] (inter-hour). The Mesorion starts immediately after the final prayer.

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During the [[Nativity#Nativity_fast|Nativity Fast]] and the [[Apostles' Fast]], each of the First, Third, Sixth, and Ninth Hours is followed by an additional service called a [[Mesorion]] (inter-hour). The Mesorion starts immediately after the final prayer.

=== Royal Hours ===

=== Royal Hours ===

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On the eves of the feasts of [[Nativity]] and [[Theophany]] and on [[Holy Friday]], the usual services of the Hours are combined and replaced by the more solemn [[Royal Hours]]. The Royal Hours include hymnography, prayers, and scripture readings related to the feasts they anticipate.

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On the eves of the feasts of [[Nativity]] and [[Theophany]] and on [[Holy_Week|Holy Friday]], the usual services of the Hours are combined and replaced by the more solemn [[Royal Hours]]. The Royal Hours include hymnography, prayers, and scripture readings related to the feasts they anticipate.

=== Paschal Hours ===

=== Paschal Hours ===

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== Online Texts ==

== Online Texts ==

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*[http://www.saintjonah.org/services/1sthour.doc The First Hour]

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*[http://www.saintjonah.org/services/3rd&6th.doc The Third & Sixth Hours]

Alleluia Seasons

a kathisma may be appointed. If so, it is read following the usual reading from the Psalter.

the troparion of the day is replaced with troparia and stichera particular to the Hour.

Mesoria

During the Nativity Fast and the Apostles' Fast, each of the First, Third, Sixth, and Ninth Hours is followed by an additional service called a Mesorion (inter-hour). The Mesorion starts immediately after the final prayer.

Royal Hours

On the eves of the feasts of Nativity and Theophany and on Holy Friday, the usual services of the Hours are combined and replaced by the more solemn Royal Hours. The Royal Hours include hymnography, prayers, and scripture readings related to the feasts they anticipate.

Paschal Hours

During Bright Week the Hours (as well as certain other services of the Daily Cycle) are replaced by the festive Paschal Hours. The Paschal Hours are intended to reflect the joy and celebration of Pascha. The hymnography and prayers center on Christ's victory over sin and death and our hope for salvation.